GPS modem interfacing with controllers

I did not acquire any parts yet because I am still on the brain-storming part, but I am planning on using an ATMEGA controller( any other would do too I think... also I have thought of an ARM).

Concerning the GPRS module I started to look at the SIM300 from SimCON. I noticed that they have a great documentation and their not that expensive either.

I quited the ideea of a GPS module. This will be an optimization maybe after I will integrate the GPRS module with an uController.

After doing some research I came accross this schematic(attached). I do not fully understand the schematic but I would like to ask you your oppinion on this circuit, and if your answer is possitive I could look into it some more.

Thank you for your interest.

Attachments:

AVR-GSM.pdf

Hello Alexandru,

Here are a few.

http://focus.ti.com/analog/docs/rfifcomponentshome.tsp?familyId=367&contentType=4&DCMP=TIHomeTracking&HQS=Other+OT+home_p_rf_if

http://www.digi.com/

Need more help see.

http://www.pinterec.ca/services/wireless-development/ti/low-power-rf-zigbee

Hope this helps,

Chris Pinter

http://www.pinterec.ca

I think you would be better using something like the Android platform.

It has all the baseband (mobile data) and wifi stacks taken care off, all you need to do is develope an application to do whatever it is you need.

You can transfer data locally to the device via the built-in WiFi and then transfer data over the wide-area using the built in mobile radios.

Android can be found at www.android.com

Hi Chris,

I know the meaning of those things you explained there, maybe I seemed not knowing because I jumped from a subject to another without saying.

There is a circuit in the attached file at the middle somewhere(pag 8). There is the full schematic of the evaluation board from Olimex.

I will take in consideration your suggestion aswell, but the implementation won't fit for my requirements. I need something that will help me comunicate with a mobile phone. The only thing that I can use is a wireless module that would access the GSM frecquency: GSM/GPRS module

I am not planning on building the whole phone even though I am close to that. I am trying the basic in GSM communication.

It is an ambitious project and this is the reason why I need some help.

Thank you for your concern.

Hi Kenny,

This would be the alternative. If I can not integrate the GPRS module I will have to make a USART or WiFi  etc connection with a mobile device and then use the built in GPRS.

By the way I forgot to post the exact device I am planning to use:

http://wm.sim.com/Sim/FrontShow_en/wireless/detail.aspx?cid=6&nid=4

Hello Alexandru,

Hi again,

Can you tell me why is it important to secure a test account with a cellular phone company?

Well....you could use a cellular phone simulator.  However, that would be costly in the order of $5,000 per month to rent or over $150,000 to buy.

You could buy a SIM card from your local cell phone store and put it into the module.  However, this would be bad because you would be putting an untested device on the network and the phone company will not like that.  Putting an untested device on the network will cause potential problems for the system and you could get in trouble with the carrier, FCC or other regulator body.  It is best not to do it as it is very unprofessional.  Not a good way to start your career.

It is always better to get a test account.  It only costs $15 to $30 per month and the company will be able to provide you with technical support when you have problems accessing the networks.   Forming this relationship with a phone company is also very important for your career.  You get to work with a technical person in the industry who might be able to be convinced to provide you with a reference or could become a potential employer.....Also when you do your thesis your instructors will ask you about how you did the testing and doing it right will get you a better mark. 

I hope this answers your questions.

Chris